WIRED

WITH grilling season in full swing, the Oregon Scientific Grill Right Bluetooth BBQ Thermometer is as timely a gadget as I can write about.

If you're anything like me, you love to grill. If you're a little more like me, you often bring in the food only to return it to the grill for a few additional minutes.

If you want to do this less, you'll take a good look at this thermometer. In a nutshell, the device connects a probe to whatever you're cooking, displays the temperature on the device's 3.25-inch display and sends it to your iOS or Android device. This is done with a Bluetooth connection and the free Grill Right app (iTunes and Google Play) on your smartphone.

I found the pre-set entree temperature (eight choices) alerts were all I needed. Go to the meat-profile mode and choose what's for dinner. Among the eight choices are chicken, fish, hamburgers and beef.

The device can also be programmed for a specific length of time or an exact temperature before it will send an alert.

You can use two probes at once, but if you only use one, make sure it's in the top socket on the right side of the display. Then place the other end at the closest part of the centre of whatever you are cooking.

It's important to know the Grill Right is not fireproof, but the seven-inch metal probes connecting it to the meat are. The device is made of a heat-resistant material and has a one-metre fire-safe cable to connect it to the probe.

The Grill Right works off a pair of AA batteries (included) and includes one probe. Extras can be purchased.

Connecting it to your smartphone is simple -- just make the Bluetooth connection, start the app, and you're all set. You also can use the Grill Right as a standalone device.

Details: US$55.50, www.oregonscientific.com

Saving your old speakers

IT doesn't take long for most electronic gadgets to become dust collectors -- and that's where Logitech's Bluetooth audio adapter comes in.

In just seconds, it can transform an old plug-only speaker into an up-to-date Bluetooth speaker.

The setup is simple: Pair up the device with your smartphone, tablet or whatever Bluetooth source your audio will come from, and then plug in the included cable to connect the speaker.

The cable has RCA and 3.5-mm cables, which can be run in either direction.

You have your choice of stand-alone speakers, a home stereo system or an A/V receiver.

A power cable is included, and you'll get a range of about 15 metres from your music source to the adapter.

Details: US$39.99, www.logitech.com

Headphones

earn high marks

AS I seem to say often with products, I have had the Sol Republic Tracks Air on-ear wireless headphones sitting around my office unopened for a few months.

I missed out on a few months of a product that sounds and looks great.

They are built with a unique headband track system to ensure you get the right fit, no matter how big or small your head is. Each speaker slides onto the headbands track and can be positioned for comfort.

The right speaker (called Sound Engines by the company) has a micro-USB port to charge the internal rechargeable battery for up to 15 hours of use. A solid green light alerts you when the charging is done.

After it's charged, make your wireless connection with Bluetooth or NFC pairing using the multi-functional button on the right speaker, which can also be used for changing tracks.

This side also has power and volume controls, and a microphone for hands-free calls.

I used them on a recent cross-country flight while writing this column. After 21/2 hours, the only reason they came off my head was the flight had landed.

Both the sound and comfort from the padded ear cups scored high marks in my book.

A cool feature lets you to connect a pair of devices to the headphones simultaneously.

Details: US$199 available in black, blue, red and white; www.solrepublic.com

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